Bonn

Bonn is a city in Germany, a country of Central Europe. Germany was divided into two countries from 1949 to 1990. During that period Bonn was the capital of West Germany. The city is famous as the birthplace of the composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Bonn lies along the Rhine River.

Many people in Bonn work in government offices or for the University of Bonn. The city is also a transportation center. Bonn has few factories.

Bonn began as a village more than 2,000 years ago. The Romans later settled the site. They lost control of the area in about the 400s. Bonn survived as in independent village for many years. Later it was the capital of local rulers. In the 1800s it became a city in Germany.

The city was damaged by bombs during World War II (1939–45). After the war Bonn became the capital of West Germany. West and East Germany were combined in 1990. Berlin then became Germany’s capital. But some government offices remained in Bonn. Population (2010 estimate), 319,841; urban area, 886,703.

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